When I arrived, I was nervous but trying to act calm. Everyone at the school was super friendly and welcoming, which helped ease my anxiety a bit.

we managed to snap a quick photo together 📸 Honestly, we all looked calm… but inside, it was just pure chaos, like: “Are we ready for this??”

Most of the day was spent getting familiar with the school environment, the timetable, and just figuring out what goes where. It’s still all a bit overwhelming, but I already feel like I’m in a good place to learn and grow.

There’s something really nice about doing work outside the classroom, it gives a different kind of bonding experience. While painting, I had more time to talk to the other practical teachers and even some of the school staff. It helped me feel a bit more connected and not so “new.”

Even though I haven’t had the chance to properly teach yet this week, I’ve already learned a lot, especially about the school environment, time management, and how every small task contributes to the bigger picture in school life. Whether it's guarding a quiet exam room or colouring a wall, I’m slowly finding my place.

We practiced as best as we could, even though time was limited. When the moment finally came, the hall was filled with cheers and smiles. Students were clapping along, teachers were enjoying themselves, and for a brief moment, I felt what it was like to be appreciated, even as a trainee. It was heartwarming to celebrate teachers, knowing that I was on my way to becoming one too.

Weaknesses:
Since it was exam week, I didn’t have much opportunity to observe lessons or practice teaching, which I feel is a weakness for my overall development. I also noticed moments where I lacked confidence, especially on my first day of exam duty and before the Teachers’ Day performance. I sometimes second-guessed myself or hesitated to ask questions, possibly because I was still learning how the school operates. I’m aware that I need to work on being more assertive and trusting my instincts as a future educator.

Opportunities:
This week, I was given many opportunities to connect with the school community outside of the classroom. Participating in the mural painting allowed me to engage creatively and leave a positive mark on the school, while helping me build stronger relationships with my fellow practicals and school staff. Being part of the Teachers’ Day celebration gave me a chance to experience how schools value and celebrate educators, and performing in front of students boosted my confidence. These early interactions with students, even outside of academic settings, will be useful once I begin teaching because I’ve already started building rapport.

Threats:
One potential threat I noticed is the risk of falling behind on my teaching practice due to the exam schedule. If I don’t actively find chances to get involved in classrooms in the following weeks, I might miss out on important learning moments. Another concern is that being mostly involved in non-teaching tasks might make me feel disconnected from the “teacher” role if I’m not careful. I also found myself overthinking certain situations like whether I was doing enough or fitting in which could affect my confidence if I don’t manage it positively moving forward.

I walked into the classroom with 40 students waiting for me, and my heart was honestly racing. I had rehearsed my lesson, prepped my materials, and told myself to stay calm, but the nerves were still there. On top of that, my school mentor was in the room observing me, which added even more pressure. I kept reminding myself, “You’re here to learn, not to be perfect.”

Despite my anxiety, once I started talking, I slowly found my rhythm. The students were energetic, some more responsive than others, and I had to raise my voice a few times to maintain attention. I realized how different it feels to actually control a class compared to observing one. There were definitely moments where I felt like I was losing control of the classroom energy, but I did my best to bring their focus back. It wasn’t flawless, but I felt proud that I got through it.

The week was short, just three school day, because after that, we entered the first-term school holidays. As much as I was starting to adjust to the routine, I honestly felt relieved knowing I’d have a short break. My body and mind needed it. I want to use the break to recharge, reflect on what I’ve done so far, and prepare better for what’s coming next. This profession really demands more than just standing in front of a class, it requires patience, mental strength, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.

This week also brought an exciting change of pace with the school’s Prasukan program. I was assigned to help handle the girls’ shot put (lontar peluru perempuan) event. It was definitely outside the usual classroom routine, but I was genuinely excited to be involved. Managing students in a sports setting was a totally different challenge, they were more active, chatty, and harder to direct, but also more engaged and energetic.

It sounded like a simple job at first, but once the day started, I realised how important and intense it could get. Making sure the students were properly hydrated, especially under the blazing sun, and ensuring everything was well-organised behind the scenes was no small task. Still, it felt good to be trusted with such a crucial role, it reminded me that support roles are just as valuable as those running the race.

The Sports Day reminded me how much I enjoy being part of something bigger, cheering students on, making sure they’re taken care of, and celebrating even the smallest wins. I saw a different side of my students: some were competitive and determined, others were supportive and encouraging, and many were simply enjoying the chance to let loose and show school pride.

By the end of the day, I was tired (and slightly sunburnt), but my heart was full. That Mixue mascot will definitely be one of the core memories I take away from this practicum experience, not just because it was cute and funny, but because it perfectly captured the spirit of creativity, teamwork, and shared joy that makes school life so special.

By the end of the week, I could feel a little shift in myself. I was still anxious. Yes, but also more aware, more present, and more open to learning. I still had so much to improve, but I wasn’t as scared of the process anymore. I told myself that progress doesn’t always come with big moments, it shows up in little things, like how I greeted my students more confidently, how I didn’t panic when they asked difficult questions, and how I ended each class with a sense of purpose, even if things didn’t go exactly as planned.

Aside from the launching ceremony, we were also in charge of planning and running the English activities and games for the students throughout the week. It was overwhelming at first, but seeing how excited the students were made it feel worth it. We brainstormed activities that were not only fun but could also get them to use English confidently in a casual and enjoyable setting.

During the session, I helped supervise and organize the activities, making sure everything ran smoothly. Most of the students were already quite familiar with how the club works, so it wasn’t too hard to manage them. Still, I tried my best to engage and interact, encouraging those who were shy or unsure. Being in the badminton court felt like a nice change of scene. It was refreshing to see students in a more relaxed and active environment, and I got to observe a different side of their personalities.

All the teachers came looking professional in their corporate uniforms, while I, not owning one yet, went with a plain white t-shirt and black skirt. Even though I looked a bit different, I reminded myself that what mattered more was my involvement, not my outfit.

During the evening session, we practical teachers were assigned to snap photos and document the moments as each class teacher met with their students' parents. It was eye-opening to witness how teachers communicated with parents. Some moments were serious and focused, while others were more encouraging and hopeful. I admired how the teachers handled all kinds of feedback and conversations with such patience and professionalism.

Watching the students rehearse was both inspiring and heartwarming. I could see how much they cared about their performance, the way they practiced their moves seriously, repeated them over and over, and corrected each other. It reminded me how important co-curricular activities are in developing students' confidence, teamwork, and discipline.

Teacher Syahirah signed off. Until we meet again!